First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. (1 Timothy 2:1, English Standard Version)

Current Challenge (Days 23 – 28 of Lent)

Our current challenge (God’s World) brought some of the words of the classical hymn, “How Great Thou Art” to mind. “O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hand hath made…Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, how great thou art, how great thou art!”  It is a blessing to meditate on the attributes of God that are evident in his creation.

Introduction to New Challenge (Days 29 – 34 of Lent)

Our fifth challenge recognizes the importance of intercessory prayers.  Standing in the gap for others through prayer is an enduring obligation for Christians.  During times of upheaval, the need for God’s intervention seems more pressing.  Understandably, when there is turmoil we gravitate towards seeking God’s favor for ourselves and those close to us (e.g., family, friends and our church community).  We should certainly continue to pray for those close to us, but the Bible instructs us to intercede for all people. 

The broad call to intercession is consistent with Jesus’ instruction for us to pray these words: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  When we intercede for all based on the Bible, we are praying for God’s reign in the lives of all.  In some ways, interceding for groups we are not close to portrays a selfless and sacrificial spirit.  No one portrayed a selfless and sacrificial spirit in prayer better than Jesus. An example is when He prayed, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” While praying, Jesus certainly knew the kingdom he prayed for came with the cross.  Yet, He persisted with selfless, sacrificial praying that sought the good of others, even if they did not deserve it. It is no surprise then than Jesus commands us as his disciples to pray for those who persecute us (see Matthew 5:44).  This selfless and sacrificial form of praying is the focus of Challenge # 5.

Challenge #5 – God’s Will 

For five days we will dedicate extra time to praying for others.  Our focus will be on groups that don’t typically come to mind when we are seeking God’s favor.  Each day (Monday through Friday), there will be a group assigned.  Our challenge is to pray for God’s will to be done in the lives of individuals in the selected group.  Our prayers should include a petition for the individuals to experience the love of God, accept God’s gift of salvation, and live in the comfort of God’s peace. 

• Monday – Social Outcasts (Think of individuals who because of their status or lifestyle are treated with scorn.  For example, undocumented immigrants and addicts.)

• Tuesday – Neighbors (Include people who live close to you. If you have neighbors you do not get along with, make sure they are on the list.)
  
• Wednesday – Enemies (Include individuals who you know oppose your welfare. For example, rivals at work and members of hate groups.)
  
• Thursday – The Invisible (Include individuals who are often overlooked.  For example, the elderly and the incarcerated.)
  
• Friday – Government (Include politicians in power and in opposition)

10 Tips to Consider

1. Acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s power to help you find the right words.
2. Be as specific as possible with your requests.
3. Incorporate Scripture into your prayers.
4. Set aside specific time in your daily quiet time to pray for the selected group.
5. Pray in the moment also (e.g., if someone comes to mind).
6. Pray with others.
7. Create a prayer list for each category.
8. Select a day, or days for fasting.
9. Look out for opportunities to share the gospel with those you have prayed for.
10. Thank God for the opportunity to partner with Him.

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our fourth challenge recognizes the importance of seeing God’s power and divine nature in creation.  The Challenge inspires us to pay attention to messages from God’s handy works that are consistent with Scripture.  Often in the Bible, God’s creation is used to portray His attributes.  For example, when God addressed Job out of the whirlwind he said, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.”  (Job 32:4).  This was God’s starting point for helping Job gain a better understanding of who He is.  Often we are too busy to see useful object lessons around us.  We need to make time to smell the proverbial roses.         

Challenge #4 – God’s World 

Meditate on the selected verses below from the book of Psalms.  For each day, a created object (or objects) and an attribute of God are highlighted for your meditation.  Use the object(s) as reminders throughout the day to pause and think about God’s attributes.

• Monday – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The Sky.  Attribute:  God’s magnificence
• Tuesday – For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:13 -14, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The human body.  Attribute:  God’s mastery of design (He does all things well)
• Wednesday – Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. (Psalm 135:6 – 7, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Related to the weather (e.g., clouds and rain).  Attribute:  God’s sovereignty
• Thursday  – From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. (Psalm 104:13, English Standard Version)
  Object: Water.  Attribute:  God’s provision
• Friday – When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,  the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3 – 4, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Sun, moon and stars.  Attribute:  God’s omnipotence

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s guidance as you meditate on His word.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Quiet yourself and actively observe the created object(s).
4. Thank God for his miraculous acts of creation.
5. Thank God for his attributes.
6. Ponder what the attributes of God mean to you personally.
7. Incorporate your thoughts in a time of worship.
8. Discuss your thoughts with someone else or a group.
9. Insert the challenge for the day in your calendar.
10. Document your thoughts for future reflection.

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our fourth challenge recognizes the importance of seeing God’s power and divine nature in creation.  The Challenge inspires us to pay attention to messages from God’s handy works that are consistent with Scripture.  Often in the Bible, God’s creation is used to portray His attributes.  For example, when God addressed Job out of the whirlwind he said, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.”  (Job 32:4).  This was God’s starting point for helping Job gain a better understanding of who He is.  Often we are too busy to see useful object lessons around us.  We need to make time to smell the proverbial roses.         

Challenge #4 – God’s World 

Meditate on the selected verses below from the book of Psalms.  For each day, a created object (or objects) and an attribute of God are highlighted for your meditation.  Use the object(s) as reminders throughout the day to pause and think about God’s attributes.

• Monday – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The Sky.  Attribute:  God’s magnificence
• Tuesday – For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:13 -14, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The human body.  Attribute:  God’s mastery of design (He does all things well)
• Wednesday – Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. (Psalm 135:6 – 7, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Related to the weather (e.g., clouds and rain).  Attribute:  God’s sovereignty
• Thursday  – From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. (Psalm 104:13, English Standard Version)
  Object: Water.  Attribute:  God’s provision
• Friday – When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,  the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3 – 4, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Sun, moon and stars.  Attribute:  God’s omnipotence

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s guidance as you meditate on His word.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Quiet yourself and actively observe the created object(s).
4. Thank God for his miraculous acts of creation.
5. Thank God for his attributes.
6. Ponder what the attributes of God mean to you personally.
7. Incorporate your thoughts in a time of worship.
8. Discuss your thoughts with someone else or a group.
9. Insert the challenge for the day in your calendar.
10. Document your thoughts for future reflection.

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our fourth challenge recognizes the importance of seeing God’s power and divine nature in creation.  The Challenge inspires us to pay attention to messages from God’s handy works that are consistent with Scripture.  Often in the Bible, God’s creation is used to portray His attributes.  For example, when God addressed Job out of the whirlwind he said, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.”  (Job 32:4).  This was God’s starting point for helping Job gain a better understanding of who He is.  Often we are too busy to see useful object lessons around us.  We need to make time to smell the proverbial roses.         

Challenge #4 – God’s World 

Meditate on the selected verses below from the book of Psalms.  For each day, a created object (or objects) and an attribute of God are highlighted for your meditation.  Use the object(s) as reminders throughout the day to pause and think about God’s attributes.

• Monday – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The Sky.  Attribute:  God’s magnificence
• Tuesday – For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:13 -14, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The human body.  Attribute:  God’s mastery of design (He does all things well)
• Wednesday – Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. (Psalm 135:6 – 7, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Related to the weather (e.g., clouds and rain).  Attribute:  God’s sovereignty
• Thursday  – From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. (Psalm 104:13, English Standard Version)
  Object: Water.  Attribute:  God’s provision
• Friday – When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,  the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3 – 4, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Sun, moon and stars.  Attribute:  God’s omnipotence

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s guidance as you meditate on His word.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Quiet yourself and actively observe the created object(s).
4. Thank God for his miraculous acts of creation.
5. Thank God for his attributes.
6. Ponder what the attributes of God mean to you personally.
7. Incorporate your thoughts in a time of worship.
8. Discuss your thoughts with someone else or a group.
9. Insert the challenge for the day in your calendar.
10. Document your thoughts for future reflection.

Today our Challenge encouraged us to use the sky as a reminder of God’s magnificence:

• Monday – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The Sky.  Attribute:  God’s magnificence

This afternoon I observed this beautiful rainbow. What a reminder!

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our fourth challenge recognizes the importance of seeing God’s power and divine nature in creation.  The Challenge inspires us to pay attention to messages from God’s handy works that are consistent with Scripture.  Often in the Bible, God’s creation is used to portray His attributes.  For example, when God addressed Job out of the whirlwind he said, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.”  (Job 32:4).  This was God’s starting point for helping Job gain a better understanding of who He is.  Often we are too busy to see useful object lessons around us.  We need to make time to smell the proverbial roses.         

Challenge #4 – God’s World 

Meditate on the selected verses below from the book of Psalms.  For each day, a created object (or objects) and an attribute of God are highlighted for your meditation.  Use the object(s) as reminders throughout the day to pause and think about God’s attributes.

• Monday – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1 -2, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The Sky.  Attribute:  God’s magnificence
  
• Tuesday – For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:13 -14, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The human body.  Attribute:  God’s mastery of design (He does all things well)
  
• Wednesday – Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. (Psalm 135:6 – 7, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Related to the weather (e.g., clouds and rain).  Attribute:  God’s sovereignty
  
• Thursday  – From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. (Psalm 104:13, English Standard Version)
  Object: Water.  Attribute:  God’s provision
  
• Friday – When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,  the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3 – 4, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Sun, moon and stars.  Attribute:  God’s omnipotence

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s guidance as you meditate on His word.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Quiet yourself and actively observe the created object(s).
4. Thank God for his miraculous acts of creation.
5. Thank God for his attributes.
6. Ponder what the attributes of God mean to you personally.
7. Incorporate your thoughts in a time of worship.
8. Discuss your thoughts with someone else or a group.
9. Insert the challenge for the day in your calendar.
10. Document your thoughts for future reflection.

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, English Standard Version)

Current Challenge (Days 17 – 22 of Lent)

I hope you were able to memorize and utilize the verses presented in our third Challenge (God’s Word).  Being able to recall passages of Scripture that apply to particular life circumstances is a source of immense joy.

Introduction to New Challenge (Days 23 – 28 of Lent)

Our fourth challenge recognizes the importance of seeing God’s power and divine nature in creation.  The Challenge inspires us to pay attention to messages from God’s handy works that are consistent with Scripture.  Often in the Bible, God’s creation is used to portray His attributes.  For example, when God addressed Job out of the whirlwind he said, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.”  (Job 32:4).  This was God’s starting point for helping Job gain a better understanding of who He is.  Often we are too busy to see useful object lessons around us.  We need to make time to smell the proverbial roses.         

Challenge #4 – God’s World 

Meditate on the selected verses below from the book of Psalms.  For each day, a created object (or objects) and an attribute of God are highlighted for your meditation.  Use the object(s) as reminders throughout the day to pause and think about God’s attributes.

• Monday – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1 -2, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The Sky.  Attribute:  God’s magnificence
  
  
• Tuesday – For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:13 -14, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The human body.  Attribute:  God’s mastery of design (He does all things well)
  
  
• Wednesday – Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. (Psalm 135:6 – 7, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Related to the weather (e.g., clouds and rain).  Attribute:  God’s sovereignty
  
  
• Thursday  – From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. (Psalm 104:13, English Standard Version)
  Object: Water.  Attribute:  God’s provision
  
  
• Friday – When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,  the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3 – 4, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Sun, moon and stars.  Attribute:  God’s omnipotence

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s guidance as you meditate on His word.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Quiet yourself and actively observe the created object(s).
4. Thank God for his miraculous acts of creation.
5. Thank God for his attributes.
6. Ponder what the attributes of God mean to you personally.
7. Incorporate your thoughts in a time of worship.
8. Discuss your thoughts with someone else or a group.
9. Insert the challenge for the day in your calendar.
10. Document your thoughts for future reflection.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11, English Standard Version)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our third challenge recognizes the importance of God’s word.  With technological advancements, it is now very easy to find Bible verses on electronic devices even if you only have a few search parameters.  However, the benefits of being able to recall passages of Scripture from memory remain.  Too often we convince ourselves that memorization is an activity that we grow out of. Bible verse memorization helps us to “renew our mind” at any age.       

Challenge #3 – God’s Word 

Memorize the following 5 verses from Isaiah and Philippians over 5 days: 

Isaiah 26:3-4 (English Standard Version)

³ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

⁴ Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Philippians 4:6-8 (English Standard Version)

⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s help as you memorize the verses.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Partner with others (this is an excellent challenge to do in community).
4. You can use your favorite Bible translation (i.e., NIV, ESV, KJV, etc.)
5. Use an approach that fits your learning style.
6. Use physical memorization aids (e.g., notebooks and Post-it Notes).
7. Use digital memorization aids (e.g., mobile phones and voice recorders). There are also free, add-free Apps such as VerseLocker that focus on Bible verse memorization. 
8. Be alert to opportunities to share the memorized verses to help someone.
9. Incorporate the verses in your prayer.
10. Exact recall is not the objective.  The focus should be application.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11, English Standard Version)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our third challenge recognizes the importance of God’s word.  With technological advancements, it is now very easy to find Bible verses on electronic devices even if you only have a few search parameters.  However, the benefits of being able to recall passages of Scripture from memory remain.  Too often we convince ourselves that memorization is an activity that we grow out of. Bible verse memorization helps us to “renew our mind” at any age.       

Challenge #3 – God’s Word 

Memorize the following 5 verses from Isaiah and Philippians over 5 days: 

Isaiah 26:3-4 (English Standard Version)

³ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

⁴ Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Philippians 4:6-8 (English Standard Version)

⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s help as you memorize the verses.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Partner with others (this is an excellent challenge to do in community).
4. You can use your favorite Bible translation (i.e., NIV, ESV, KJV, etc.)
5. Use an approach that fits your learning style.
6. Use physical memorization aids (e.g., notebooks and Post-it Notes).
7. Use digital memorization aids (e.g., mobile phones and voice recorders). There are also free, add-free Apps such as VerseLocker that focus on Bible verse memorization. 
8. Be alert to opportunities to share the memorized verses to help someone.
9. Incorporate the verses in your prayer.
10. Exact recall is not the objective.  The focus should be application.